If it's dinner and drinks, that normally signals a date. ... Pay attention to the context — if you're doing something because neither of you had anyone else to go with, that doesn't sound like you're trying to date each other. But if you're looking for excuses to spend time together, that does.

Does dinner mean a date?

: a date to eat dinner together My new boyfriend and I had a dinner date last night.

Is cooking dinner with someone a date?

Cooking them dinner is an excellent second date

Inviting someone over for dinner can be fun, intimate, and playful. ... It's different than your average second date of dinner out at a restaurant or another drink at a bar. It'll set you apart. It'll show your date that you're not afraid to put a little work into it.